2023 House Bill 5225

AI Analysis – Experimental

This bill aims to amend Section 234b of the 1931 Michigan Penal Code, which was last updated in 2014. The legislation focuses on increasing penalties for the act of intentionally discharging a firearm from a vehicle or at a dwelling or potentially occupied structure. The penalties vary based on the outcome of the act, with more severe consequences if the discharge results in physical injury, serious impairment of a body function, or death. Notably, the bill proposes even harsher penalties if the victim is a minor.

Key provisions of the bill include:

A felony charge with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison or a $25,000 fine, or both, for causing serious impairment of a body function. If the victim is a minor, the penalty increases to a maximum of 40 years in prison or a $50,000 fine, or both. Causing the death of an individual results in a felony charge punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years. If the death victim is a minor, the charge escalates to a felony punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The bill specifies exemptions for peace officers acting in the line of duty and individuals acting in self-defense. It allows for additional charges from the same incident and the possibility of consecutive sentencing. Definitions within the bill clarify terms such as "dwelling," "peace officer," "potentially occupied structure," and "serious impairment of a body function."